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State-of-the-art Electrical Equipment, Substation Automation, and Intelligent Control Systems Will Be Provided by ABB for Petrobras’s FPSO Vessels P-84 and P-85, Which Will Operate in the Sépia and Atapu Fields.
Petrobras took another step towards innovation and energy efficiency with the integration of technologies from the Swiss multinational ABB into the two new FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) vessels that will be used in the pre-salt exploration.
The P-84 and P-85 platforms, currently under construction, will feature state-of-the-art electrical systems and automation solutions developed by ABB, in partnership with Seatrium, a naval engineering company based in Singapore.
The delivery of the electrical systems and eHouses – high-tech portable substations – is scheduled for 2027. The vessels will operate in the Atapu and Sépia fields, approximately 200 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, reinforcing Petrobras’s leadership in offshore exploration of oil and gas.
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100% Electric Concept FPSOs: Efficiency and Sustainability
For the first time, Petrobras will implement platform vessels with a fully electric concept.
The P-84 and P-85 will have a generating capacity of 165 megawatts of electric power, allowing them to operate heavy equipment such as compressors and motors with greater energy efficiency and lower environmental impact.
This innovative configuration has been made possible by ABB’s technologies, such as the ABB Ability™ System 800xA, a control system that integrates process automation and substations, ensuring interoperability and greater operational reliability.
The architecture will also utilize the IEC 61850 standard, a global reference in electrical systems automation.
One of the significant differentiators of this project will be the unprecedented use in the offshore environment of ABB’s Is current limiters.
These devices act quickly to contain short-circuit peaks before they reach their maximum point, preventing failures in electrical equipment and extending the lifespan of the systems.
With FPSOs operating at high power, strict control of electrical failures becomes essential.
The Is limiters reduce thermal and mechanical stress on the components, providing greater safety and savings in maintenance.
Global Technology, Local Manufacturing
Although the design of the systems takes place in Singapore, part of the production will be carried out in Brazil.
ABB’s factory in Sorocaba (SP) will be responsible for manufacturing the UniGear ZS1 distribution boards, essential for safely and reliably conducting electrical power in demanding industrial environments, such as offshore.
The topside electrical systems for the FPSOs will be assembled inside eHouses, prefabricated substations that house medium and low voltage panels, critical power equipment, and automation cabinets. These structures will be delivered ready for installation on the platforms.
FPSO Market in Brazil Continues to Expand
Petrobras’s investment in FPSOs P-84 and P-85 reinforces Brazil’s prominence in the offshore energy sector.
It is estimated that the Brazilian FPSO market will receive investments of up to US$ 21 billion between 2026 and 2027, according to industry projections. Globally, the segment could reach a value exceeding US$ 46 billion by 2033.
The collaboration between Petrobras, ABB, and Seatrium aims to meet the growing demand for oil with sustainable and automated solutions.
Each FPSO will have the capacity to process 225,000 barrels of oil per day, contributing to meet global demand, which, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), could reach 114 million barrels per day by the end of the decade.
ABB Expands Presence in Brazil with Focus on Energy and Automation
Recognized for its global performance in industrial technologies, ABB reinforces its commitment to energy and digital transformation in Brazil.
The company’s Process Automation division offers integrated solutions ranging from electrification to digitalization, serving strategic sectors such as oil and gas.
With a presence in over 100 countries and more than 105,000 employees, ABB brings to the country a combination of international expertise and local production, contributing innovation, safety, and sustainability to major projects such as Petrobras’s FPSOs.
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